Packing floor control

Abstract

A bale floor control system for a bale floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber includes an actuator that moves the bale floor and a timing module. A backplane engagement module commands the bale backplane actuator to move the bale backplane to an engaged position in response to determining initiation of a bale cycle, and commands the bale backplane actuator to move the bale backplane to a disengaged position in response to the timing module indicating that the timing is equal to or greater than a first threshold. A belt control module drives a baling floor belt in response to determining initiation of the baling cycle.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 516,174, filed on July 28, 2023. The entire disclosure of the above-referenced application is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the control of baling floors, and more particularly, to the control of baling floors in cotton harvesters. Background Art

[0004] Round module builders or balers use belts and rollers to manipulate the harvested material into a desired form. Round module builders for cotton harvesters typically use belts under tension that run over a series of rollers to compact the harvested material into a cylindrical shape.

[0005] The background description provided here is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this background section, the work of the currently named inventors and the description of aspects that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0006] A baling floor control system for a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the baling floor control system comprising: an actuator connected to the baling floor and configured to move the baling floor; a timing module, the timing module configured to: (i) reset and increment a timing in response to determining the start of a baling cycle; and (ii) compare the timing to a first threshold. The baling floor control system also includes: a floor engagement module, the floor engagement module configured to: (i) command the baling floor actuator to move the baling floor to an engaged position in response to determining the start of the baling cycle, and (ii) command the baling floor actuator to move the baling floor to a disengaged position in response to determining that the timing module indicates that the timing is equal to or greater than the first threshold; and a belt control module, the belt control module configured to drive a baling floor belt in response to determining the start of the baling cycle.

[0007] In other features, the bale floor control system includes a bale floor clutch. The belt control module is configured to engage the bale floor clutch to drive the bale floor belt.

[0008] In still other features, the baling floor actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.

[0009] In other features, the belt control module is configured to stop driving the baling floor belt in response to determining that the timing module indicates that the timing is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

[0010] In other features, the bale floor control system includes a bale film length module, the bale film length module being configured to: calculate the length of bale film fed to the cotton module forming chamber in response to determining the start of the bale cycle; and compare the length of bale film fed to the cotton module forming chamber with a second threshold. The belt control module is configured to drive the bale floor belt in response to determining that the bale film length module indicates that the length of bale film fed to the cotton module forming chamber is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0011] In other features, the baling floor control system includes a baling roller speed sensor configured to measure a speed of a baling roller and generate a signal based on the measured speed. The first length module is configured to calculate the first length based on the signal generated by the baling roller speed sensor.

[0012] In still other features, the second threshold corresponds to 18 meters.

[0013] In other features, the bale floor control system includes: a tag sensor configured to generate a detach tag signal in response to detecting the presence of a detach tag; and a bale film length module configured to: (i) calculate the length of bale film fed to the cotton module forming chamber in response to receiving the detach signal, and (ii) compare the length of bale film fed to the cotton module forming chamber to a second threshold. The belt control module is configured to stop driving the bale floor belt in response to determining that the bale film length module indicates that the length of bale film fed to the cotton module forming chamber is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0014] In other features, the tag sensor is a Hall sensor.

[0015] A method of controlling a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the method comprising: determining whether a baling cycle has been initiated, and in response to determining that the baling cycle has been initiated: starting a timer, moving the baling floor to an engaged position, and driving a baling floor belt located in the baling floor. The method also includes: comparing the timer to a threshold period; in response to determining that the timer is greater than or equal to the threshold period, moving the baling floor to a disengaged position; monitoring an output of a tag sensor; in response to the detached tag sensor indicating the presence of a detached tag, calculating a first length of baling film fed to the module forming chamber; and in response to determining that the first length of baling film fed to the module forming chamber is greater than or equal to a first threshold, stopping the baling floor belt.

[0016] In other features, the threshold period is 5 seconds.

[0017] In still other features, the method includes: stopping the packing bottom plate belt in response to determining that the timing is greater than or equal to the threshold time period; calculating a second length of the packing film fed to the module forming chamber; and driving the packing bottom plate belt in response to determining that the second length of the packing film fed to the module forming chamber is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0018] In other features, the first threshold is 0.9 meters, or the second threshold is 18 meters.

[0019] In other features, the method includes monitoring a speed of a baling roller of the cotton harvester.Calculating the second length of baling film fed to the module forming chamber includes calculating the second length based on the speed of the baling roller.

[0020] In other features, monitoring the speed of the baling roller includes monitoring the speed of the lower baling roller.

[0021] A non-transitory computer readable medium storing processor executable instructions for controlling a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the instructions comprising: determining whether a baling cycle has been initiated, and in response to determining that the baling cycle has been initiated: starting a timer, moving the baling floor to an engaged position, and driving a baling floor belt located in the baling floor. The method also includes: comparing the timer to a threshold period; and in response to determining that the timer is greater than or equal to the threshold period, moving the baling floor to a disengaged position; monitoring an output of a tag sensor; in response to the detached tag sensor indicating the presence of a detached tag, calculating a first length of baling film fed to the module forming chamber; and in response to determining that the first length of baling film fed to the module forming chamber is greater than or equal to a first threshold, stopping the baling floor belt.

[0022] In other features, the instructions further include: stopping the packing bottom plate belt in response to determining that the timing is greater than or equal to the threshold period; calculating a second length of the packing film fed to the module forming chamber; and driving the packing bottom plate belt in response to determining that the second length of the packing film fed to the module forming chamber is greater than or equal to a second threshold.

[0023] In other features, the threshold period is 5 seconds.

[0024] In other features, the instructions include monitoring a speed of a baling roller of the cotton harvester.Calculating a first length of baling film fed to the module forming chamber includes calculating the first length based on the speed of the baling roller.

[0025] In other features, the first threshold is 0.9 meters, or the second threshold is 18 meters.

[0026] A baling floor control system for a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the baling floor control system comprising: an actuator connected to the baling floor and configured to move the baling floor; a first timing module, the first timing module configured to: in response to determining the start of a baling cycle, (i) reset a first timer and increment the first timer; and (ii) compare the first timer to a first threshold. The baling floor control system also includes a floor engagement module, the floor engagement module configured to: (i) in response to determining the start of the baling cycle, command the baling floor actuator to move the baling floor to an engaged position, and (ii) in response to determining that the first timing module indicates that the first timer is equal to or greater than the first threshold, command the baling floor actuator to move the baling floor to a disengaged position. The baling floor control system also includes: a second timing module, which is configured to: in response to determining the start of the baling cycle, (i) reset the second timing and increment the second timing, and (ii) compare the second timing with a second threshold; and a belt control module, which is configured to: (i) drive the baling floor belt in response to determining the start of the baling cycle, and (ii) stop driving the baling floor belt in response to determining that the second timing module indicates that the second timing is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0027] In other features, the first threshold is less than the second threshold.

[0028] A method of controlling a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the method comprising: determining whether a baling cycle has been initiated, and in response to determining that the baling cycle has been initiated: starting a first timing and a second timing, moving the baling floor to an engaged position, and driving a baling floor belt located in the baling floor. The method also includes: comparing the first timing with a first threshold period; and in response to determining that the first timing is greater than or equal to the first threshold period, moving the baling floor to a disengaged position and stopping the baling floor belt. The method also includes: comparing the second timing with a second threshold period; and in response to determining that the second timing is greater than or equal to the second threshold period, stopping the baling floor belt.

[0029] A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing processor-executable instructions for controlling a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the instructions comprising: determining whether a baling cycle has been initiated, and in response to determining that the baling cycle has been initiated: starting a first timing and a second timing, moving the baling floor to an engaged position, and driving a baling floor belt located in the baling floor. The instructions also include: comparing the first timing with a first threshold period; and in response to determining that the first timing is greater than or equal to the first threshold period, moving the baling floor to a disengaged position and stopping the baling floor belt. The instructions also include: comparing the second timing with a second threshold period; and in response to determining that the second timing is greater than or equal to the second threshold period, stopping the baling floor belt.

[0030] A baling floor control system for a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the baling floor control system comprising: an actuator connected to the baling floor and configured to move the baling floor; and a timing module, the timing module configured to: in response to determining the start of a baling cycle, reset and increment a timing; and compare the timing to a first threshold. The system also includes a floor engagement module, the floor engagement module configured to: in response to determining the start of the baling cycle, command the baling floor actuator to move the baling floor to an engaged position, and in response to determining that the timing module indicates that the timing is equal to or greater than the first threshold, command the baling floor actuator to move the baling floor to a disengaged position. The system also includes: a bale film length module, which is configured to: calculate the length of the bale film fed into the cotton module forming chamber in response to determining the start of the bale cycle; and compare the length with a second threshold; and a belt control module, which is configured to: drive the bale bottom plate belt in response to determining the start of the bale cycle, and stop driving the bale bottom plate belt in response to determining that the bale film length module indicates that the length of the bale film is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0031] A method of controlling a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the method comprising: determining whether a baling cycle has been initiated, and in response to determining that the baling cycle has been initiated: starting a timer, moving the baling floor to an engaged position, and driving a baling floor belt located in the baling floor. The method also includes: comparing the timer to a threshold period; and in response to determining that the timer is greater than or equal to the threshold period, moving the baling floor to a disengaged position; calculating the length of baling film fed into the module forming chamber; and in response to determining that the length of the baling film is greater than or equal to a second threshold, stopping the baling floor belt.

[0032] A non-transitory computer readable medium storing processor executable instructions for controlling a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the instructions comprising: determining whether a baling cycle has been initiated, and in response to determining that the baling cycle has been initiated: starting a timer, moving the baling floor to an engaged position, and driving a baling floor belt located in the baling floor. The instructions also include: comparing the timer to a threshold period; and in response to determining that the timer is greater than or equal to the threshold period, moving the baling floor to a disengaged position; calculating a length of baling film fed into the module forming chamber; and in response to determining that the length of the baling film is greater than or equal to a second threshold, stopping the baling floor belt.

[0033] A baling floor control system for a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the baling floor control system comprising: an actuator, the actuator being connected to the baling floor and configured to move the baling floor; a timing module, the timing module being configured to: (i) reset and increment a timing in response to determining the start of a baling cycle, and (ii) compare the timing to a first threshold; and a floor engagement module, the floor engagement module being configured to: (i) command the baling floor actuator to move the baling floor to an engaged position in response to determining the start of the baling cycle, and (ii) command the baling floor actuator to move the baling floor to a disengaged position in response to determining that the timing module indicates that the timing is equal to or greater than the first threshold. The baling floor control system also includes: a tag sensor, which is configured to generate a detached tag signal in response to detecting the presence of a detached tag; a baling film length module, which is configured to: (i) calculate the length of the baling film fed into the cotton module forming chamber in response to receiving the detached signal, and (ii) compare the length of the baling film with a second threshold; and a belt control module, which is configured to: (i) drive the baling floor belt in response to determining that the baling cycle is started, and (ii) stop driving the baling floor belt in response to determining that the baling film length module indicates that the baling film length is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

[0034] A method of controlling a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the method comprising: determining whether a baling cycle has been initiated, and in response to determining that the baling cycle has been initiated: starting a timer, moving the baling floor to an engaged position, and driving a baling floor belt located in the baling floor. The method also includes: comparing the timer to a threshold period; and in response to determining that the timer is greater than or equal to the threshold period, moving the baling floor to a disengaged position; monitoring an output of a tag sensor; in response to the detached tag sensor indicating the presence of a detached tag, calculating a second length of baling film fed into the module forming chamber; and in response to determining that the second length is greater than or equal to a second threshold, stopping the baling floor belt.

[0035] A non-transitory computer readable medium storing processor executable instructions for controlling a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the instructions comprising: determining whether a baling cycle has been initiated, and in response to determining that the baling cycle has been initiated: starting a timer, moving the baling floor to an engaged position, and driving a baling floor belt located in the baling floor. The instructions also include: comparing the timer to a threshold period; and in response to determining that the timer is greater than or equal to the threshold period, moving the baling floor to a disengaged position; monitoring an output of a tag sensor; in response to the detached tag sensor indicating the presence of a detached tag, calculating a second length of baling film fed into the module forming chamber; and in response to determining that the second length is greater than or equal to a second threshold, stopping the baling floor belt.

[0036] Further applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary work vehicle including a bale feed control system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 is a side view of an exemplary work vehicle including a bale feed control system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional side view of a circular module builder;

[0041] Figure 4 are cross-sectional views of various embodiments of packaging components of a circular module builder;

[0042] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 A bottom perspective view of a packaging floor system of an embodiment;

[0043] Figure 5B yes Figure 3 A bottom perspective view of a packaging floor system of an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of an embodiment of a drive system of an embodiment;

[0045] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Another perspective view of the drive system;

[0046] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of a drive system;

[0047] Fig. 9 yes Figure 5A and Figure 5B Bottom view of the packaging floor system;

[0048] Fig.10 is another embodiment of the second drive system.

[0049] Fig.11 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary implementation of a pack feed control system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.12 is a flow chart of exemplary operations performed by an embodiment of a pack feed control system.

[0051] Fig.13 is a functional block diagram of another exemplary implementation of a pack feed control system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig.14 is a flow chart of exemplary operations performed by another embodiment of a pack feed control system.

[0053] Fig.15 is a functional block diagram of yet another exemplary implementation of a pack feed control system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig.16 is a flow chart of exemplary operations performed by yet another embodiment of a pack feed control system.

[0055] Fig.17 is a functional block diagram of yet another exemplary implementation of a pack feed control system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0056] Fig.18 is a flow chart of exemplary operations performed by yet another embodiment of a pack feed control system.

[0057] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary harvester 10 is shown. The harvester 10 shown is a cotton harvester 15, such as a cotton picker or a cotton stripper. Although the harvester 10 is described as a cotton stripper and a cotton picker, the present disclosure contemplates other types of work vehicles, such as a combine harvester, a tractor, a self-propelled sprayer, and other types of off-road work machines.

[0059] The harvester 10 includes a chassis 20. The chassis 20 is shown supported by a front ground engaging member 25 and a rear ground engaging member 30. Although the front ground engaging member 25 and the rear ground engaging member 30 of the harvester 10 are depicted as wheels, other supports, such as tracks, are contemplated. The harvester 10 is adapted to move across a field 35 to perform tasks, such as harvesting crops. By way of example only, the harvester 10 may be configured to harvest cotton, corn, soybeans, rapeseed, straw, hay, alfalfa, or other agricultural crops. An operator station 40 is supported by the chassis 20.

[0060] An operator interface 45 is positioned in the operator station 40. In some embodiments, the operator interface 45 includes a display screen, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) screen, an organic LED (OLED) screen, or a CRT display. The display screen of the operator interface 45 can present various features and / or parameters of the harvester 10 via a graphical user interface (GUI). In various embodiments, the operator interface 45 can include one or more user input devices, such as buttons, switches, touch screens, and / or joysticks. The operator of the harvester 10 can adjust various operating parameters of the harvester 10 via the operator interface 45, such as by actuating one or more user input devices.

[0061] Reference Figure 2 , a power module 50 may be supported below the chassis 20. The power module may be an engine 55 that drives a hydraulic motor 60 or a mechanical drive 65 to power the pitch fan 70. The operator may set a minimum power for the power module 50 from the operator interface 45. The operator may also set a minimum engine speed from the operator interface 45. Water, lubricant, and fuel tanks (generally indicated at 75) may be supported on the chassis 20.

[0062] The harvesting structure 80 may be coupled to the chassis 20. The harvesting structure 80 shown is configured to remove cotton from the field 35. The harvesting structure 80 may be a cotton stripper header 85 ( Figure 1 ), one or more cotton picking units 90 ( Figure 2 ) or another harvesting structure. Alternatively, the harvesting structure 80 can be configured to remove corn or other crops, for example, the harvesting structure 80 can be a corn header or a belt conveyor header (not shown).

[0063] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the air duct system 95 may be coupled to the harvesting structure 80. A round module builder 105 may be coupled to the air duct system 95. The round module builder 105 shown includes a cleaner 108 that cleans the cotton harvested from the cotton stripper header 85 by removing trash and debris. Figure 2The circular module builder 105 includes an accumulator 110 configured to receive cotton or other crops harvested by the cotton picking unit 90 .

[0064] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The feeder 115 may be coupled to the chassis 20. The feeder 115 is configured to receive cotton or other crops from the accumulator 110. The feeder 115 includes a plurality of rollers 120 configured to compress the cotton or other crops and transfer the cotton or other crops to a baler 125 of the round module builder 105.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the harvester 10 includes a baling floor control module 150, a baling floor actuator 155, a baling floor clutch 160, a detached tag sensor 165, and a baling roller speed sensor 170. The baling floor actuator 155 controls the movement of the baling floor of the harvester 10. The baling floor clutch 160 selectively provides power to a belt located in the baling floor.

[0066] The detach tag sensor 165 generates a signal indicating the presence of a detach tag on the packaging film. In various embodiments, the detach tag sensor 165 is a Hall sensor, i.e., a Hall effect sensor. In other embodiments, the detach tag sensor 165 may be an optical sensor or another sensor capable of detecting the presence of a tag on the packaging portion. The operator interface 45, the packaging floor control module 150, the packaging floor actuator 155, the packaging floor clutch 160, the detach tag sensor 165, and the packaging roller speed sensor 170 may exchange data, such as parameters and instructions, via a network 175 such as a controller area network (CAN). The network 175 may include one or more data buses.

[0067] Reference Figure 3 , the module forming chamber 185 may have a plurality of endless belts 190 defining the circumference of the module forming chamber 185. The plurality of endless belts 190 are supported in a side-by-side relationship across a support roller arrangement including a plurality of fixed rollers and a plurality of movable rollers. Specifically, proceeding clockwise from a chamber entrance 195 where crops enter the module forming chamber 185, the fixed rollers include a lower drive roller 200, a first separation roller 205, a second separation roller 210, an upper drive roller 215, a front upper frame roller 220, a rear upper frame roller 225, a front upper door roller 230, a rear upper door roller 235, a rear lower door roller 240, and a front lower door roller 245, all of which are coupled for rotation within the circular module builder 105.

[0068] exist Figure 31 , a pair of conventional laterally spaced belt tensioning or rocker arms 250 are pivotally mounted to the belt tensioning arm pivot 255. A plurality of movable rollers including a first movable roller 260, a second movable roller 265, a third movable roller 270, and a fourth movable roller 275, each having and extending between opposite ends, are rotatably coupled to the laterally spaced belt tensioning arms 250. As shown, one or more of the fixed rollers are driven such that the plurality of endless baler belts 190 are driven, for example, in a direction such that incoming cotton or other crop travels counterclockwise as it is added as spiral layers to the growing round module 100. As the round module 100 grows within the module forming chamber 185, the laterally spaced belt tensioning arms 250 rotate counterclockwise until a round module 100 having a predetermined diameter has been formed in the module forming chamber 185.

[0069] Along the rear of the circular module builder 105 may be a wrap assembly 90 that houses one or more wrap rolls 280. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, only one bale roll 280 is shown positioned in the bale assembly 90. However, the bale assembly 90 is configured to stack a plurality of bale rolls 280 one on top of the other within the bale roll hopper 282. The bottom-most bale roll 280 may rest on the front support roller 284 and the rear support roller 286. The front support roller 284 and the rear support roller 286 may be coupled to a bracket (not specifically shown) that allows the front support roller 284 and the rear support roller 286 to move along a linear path toward and away from the lower bale roller 288.

[0070] The baling roll 280 may be baling material sized to cover the periphery of the round module 100. The baling material may transition from the baling roll 280, partially around the front support roller 284, between the front support roller 284 and the lower baling roller 288, partially around the lower baling roller 188, and transition to the front lower gate roller 245. Once the baling material enters the module forming chamber 185 at the front lower gate roller 245, the baling material may follow the endless baler belt 190 around the circumference of the round module 100 until the periphery is substantially covered by the baling material. For hay and forage balers, a cutting assembly (not specifically shown) may then cut the baling material from the baling roll, and the baling material may be attached to the round module so as to substantially maintain its form once ejected from the module forming chamber. In the illustrated embodiment, the baling material is sized for a separate portion of the baling roll 280 that does not require a cutting device, but is sized to be attached to the round module 100 so as to maintain its form once ejected from the module forming chamber 185.

[0071] exist Figure 3In one aspect of the illustrated baling assembly 90, the baling material is stretched as it extends between the lower baling roller 288 and the front lower gate roller 245. More specifically, power may be provided to one or more of the front and rear support rollers 284, 286 and the lower baling roller 288 to feed the baling material from the baling roll 280 to the module forming chamber 185. In addition, the baling material may be sandwiched between the front and rear support rollers 284, 286 and the lower baling roller 288 as it is fed from the baling roll 280 to the module forming chamber 185.

[0072] The powered rollers 284, 286, 288 may send the baling material toward the front lower gate roller 245 at a feed speed. The feed speed may be slightly less than the speed required to match the rotational speed of the circular module 100. In one non-limiting example, the circular module may have a circumference of 23 feet and thus require approximately 23 linear feet of baling material per revolution. However, the baling assembly 90 may only have a feed speed of 22 linear feet per revolution. In this embodiment, as the baling material transitions from the baling roll 280 to the module forming chamber 185, the baling material is stretched as it moves between the lower baling roller 288 and the front lower gate roller 245.

[0073] Stretching the baling material when transitioning from the baling assembly 90 to the module forming chamber 185 can provide tightly packed round modules 100 with high density, and thus transport large quantities of harvested crops. In addition, the baling material can compress the round modules 100 so that the round modules 100 maintain a proper form. Properly covering the outer surface of the round module 100 can also prevent moisture from penetrating the outer surface of the round module 100. However, if the baling material is not evenly distributed around the outer surface, the round module 100 may loosely deform and fall apart, or become soaked by water or the like.

[0074] exist Figure 3 In one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, the lower baling roller 288 may be rotatably coupled to the round module builder 105 at the first and second walls of the baler door 28 or baler front 32. When the baling material is stretched between the lower baling roller 288 and the front lower door roller 245, the center portion of the lower baling roller 288 may deflect toward the front lower door roller 245 in response to the stretching force applied by the baling material. Such deflection or bending of the lower baling roller 288 may cause the baling material to be unevenly distributed on the round module 100. More specifically, when the baling material is distributed to the surface of the round module 100, the center portion of the baling material may be tighter than the edge portion, or vice versa.

[0075] Return to reference Figure 2 After the round modules 100 are formed and packaged, the module handling system 330 may receive the round modules 100. The module handling system 330 temporarily supports the round modules 100 and then discharges the round modules 100 from the harvester 10.

[0076] The harvester 10 is adapted to move through a field 35 to harvest cotton. In operation, the harvester 10 is driven through a field 35 to harvest cotton or other crops. Figure 2 In FIG. 3 , a harvesting structure 90 is shown picking cotton from cotton plants in a field 35. Figure 1 , the harvesting structure 85 strips the cotton from the cotton plant. The cotton is conveyed to the accumulator 110 via the air duct system 95. The accumulator 110 holds the cotton until a predetermined cotton height is reached, and then conveys the cotton to the feeder 115. In an embodiment, the accumulator 110 conveys the cotton to the feeder 115 approximately four times for each round module 100 produced. When the feeder 115 receives the cotton, a plurality of rollers 120 are activated to distribute the cotton to a feed conveyor, which conveys the cotton to the round module builder 105. The round module builder 105 compresses the cotton using an endless baler belt 190 while forming the module 100.

[0077] After the round module builder 105 receives the compressed cotton, a plurality of endless baler belts 190 rotate the cotton into a round module 100. After the round module builder 105 receives enough cotton from the feeder 115, the round module can be wrapped and the round module 100 can be ejected onto the module handling system 330. The module handling system 330 supports the round module 100 and then ejects the round module 100 from the harvester 10.

[0078] Now refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B , a baling assembly 302 is shown. More specifically, the baling assembly 302 may have a baling roll hopper 304 similar to the baling roll hopper 282 described above. The baling roll hopper 304 may be provided for storing a plurality of baling rolls, wherein a bottom-most baling roll contacts a front upper baling roller 306 and a support roller 308. Both the front upper baling roller 306 and the support roller 308 may be rotatably coupled to a first wall and a second wall of the baler front portion 32 or the baler door 28 of the round module builder 105. The front upper baling roller 306 may be rotatably coupled to a first side wall and a second side wall of the baler front portion 32 or the baler door 28 about a first axis 310, and the support roller 308 may be rotatably coupled to a first side wall and a second side wall of the baler front portion 32 or the baler door 28 about a support axis 312. Both the first axis 310 and the support axis 312 may be defined through fixed portions of the first side wall and the second side wall of the baler front portion 32 or the baler door 28. The first axis 310 and the support axis 312 are immovable relative to the baler front 32 or the first and second side walls of the baler door 28 or relative to the round module builder 105 .

[0079] The baling assembly 302 may also have a lower baling roller 314 that may be positioned adjacent to the front upper baling roller 306. The lower baling roller 314 may be rotatably coupled between a first bracket 316 and a second bracket 318. The first bracket 316 may be pivotally coupled to a first wall of the baler front 32 or baler door 28 about a bracket axis 320, and the second bracket may be pivotally coupled to a second wall of the baler front 32 about a bracket axis 320.

[0080] The lower packing roller 314 can be rotated around the bracket axis 320 in a first position (eg Figure 4 ) and a second position. In the first position, the outer surface of the lower packing roller 314 can be positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the front upper packing roller 306. More specifically, in the first position, the packing material can be clamped between the front upper packing roller 306 and the lower packing roller 314 at the clamping point 406 (see Figure 4 ). Sandwiching the baling material between the front upper baling roller 306 and the lower baling roller 314 allows the rotational speed of the rollers 306, 314 to partially control the feed speed, as described in more detail below.

[0081] In various embodiments, the outer surface of the front upper baling roller 306 and the outer surface of the lower baling roller 314 may be coated with a material (e.g., rubber, etc.) that grips the baling material. The outer surfaces of the rollers 306, 314 may then control the feed rate of the baling material to the front lower gate roller 245 without allowing the baling material to slip therebetween. In other words, when the baling material is clamped between the respective rollers 306, 314 at the clamping point 406 and as it travels from the baling roll to the module forming chamber 185, the outer surfaces of the rollers 306, 314 may frictionally engage the baling material. In this configuration, the tensile force generated on the baling material between the front lower gate roller 245 and the lower baling roller 314 may be insufficient to cause the baling material to slip between the front upper baling roller 306 and the lower baling roller 314.

[0082] In one embodiment, biasing members (not shown), such as springs, may be positioned between the first and second brackets 316, 318 and corresponding first and second walls of the baler front 32 or baler door 28 to pivot the lower baling roller 314 about the bracket axis 320 toward the front upper baling roller 306. The force applied to the brackets 316, 318 by the biasing members may increase the clamping force on the baling material and thereby reduce the likelihood of the baling material slipping therebetween during high tensile forces.

[0083] The biasing member can be any type of spring or the like known in the art and is not limited to any particular type. More specifically, the biasing member can generate force by any type of mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, etc. In one non-limiting example, the biasing member 402 is a coil spring. In another example, the biasing member is a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuator. Those skilled in the relevant art understand that many different types of biasing members 402 can be used to bias the pivoting member about the axis and the present disclosure is not limited to any particular one.

[0084] Now refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , showing a first drive system 502. The first drive system 502 may have a drive sprocket 504 coupled to a driven sprocket 506 via a chain, belt, etc. 508. In addition, a tensioner 510 may be partially positioned between the drive sprocket 504 and the driven sprocket 506 to ensure that appropriate chain tension is maintained between the sprockets 504, 506. In one non-limiting embodiment, the drive sprocket 504 is rotatably coupled to the rear lower door roller 240 or any other roller of the module forming chamber 185. In this embodiment, the gear ratio of the sprockets 504, 506 may determine the feed speed of the packaging assembly 302 relative to the rotation speed of the rollers of the module forming chamber 185. In another non-limiting embodiment, the drive sprocket 504 is rotatably coupled to a second drive system 509, which may be any type of system such as mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, etc. that engages with and rotates the drive sprocket 504.

[0085] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, one form of the second drive system 509 includes a first roller 511 offset from a second roller 517 and a tensioner belt 515 wound around the first roller 511 and the second roller 517 to drive the shaft 521 of the drive sprocket 523. When the baling bottom plate is engaged, the belt is tensioned by the roller 513. In various other embodiments, the second drive system 509 includes a baling bottom plate clutch 160 that can selectively provide rotational power to the shaft 521. In other embodiments, the second drive system 509 can include a dedicated or shared rotary actuator (e.g., an electric or hydraulic motor-friction wheel drive baling system) or one or more gears that engage with the shaft 521 or the drive sprocket 523 to generate input motion.

[0086] exist Figure 8, the first roller 511 includes a shaft 521 operatively attached to a drive sprocket 523, which is coupled to a driven sprocket 525 by a series of teeth on each of the sprockets 523, 525 meshing with each other. The driven sprocket 525 includes a shaft 527 operatively connected to a rear pulley 529. The rear pulley 529 receives a tensioner belt 531, which is wound around the rear pulley 529 and the bale floor pulley 533 to drive the shaft 535 of the second bale floor pulley 537. The bale floor system 520, described further below, includes one of the second bale floor pulleys 537 associated with each bale floor belt, wherein each of the second bale floor pulleys 537 is assembled with a shaft 535 extending across the width of the bale floor system 520.

[0087] The driven sprocket 506 may have a shaft (not specifically shown) coupling the driven sprocket 506 to the drive gear 512 of the first drive system 502. The drive gear 512 may also contact the front upper packing roller 306, which in turn selectively contacts the lower packing roller 314.

[0088] When the rollers 306, 314 are in the first position, the rotational movement of the rear lower door roller 240 rotates the drive sprocket 504. The rotation of the drive sprocket 504 is transmitted to the driven sprocket 506 through the chain 508. From the driven sprocket 506, the shaft rotates the drive gear 512. The drive gear 512 rotates the corresponding front upper packing roller 306 and lower packing roller 314. The rotation of the drive sprocket 504 also activates the second drive system 509, causing the shaft 535 and the second packing floor pulley 537 to rotate.

[0089] Although the drive gear 512 is described as being powered by mechanical linkage with the rear lower door roller 240, the drive gear 512 or the front upper packing roller 306 and the lower packing roller 314 may be powered independently. More specifically, a hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, etc. motor may be directly coupled to any of the above rollers, gears, or sprockets to provide rotational power thereto. A controller (e.g., BIC) may communicate with the motor of the corresponding roller, gear, or sprocket to indicate the feed speed generated by the packing assembly 302.

[0090] The packing speed sensor 170 measures the speed of the packing rollers of the packing assembly and generates a signal representing the speed of the packing rollers. In various embodiments, the packing speed sensor 170 measures the speed of the lower packing roller 314 and generates a signal indicating the rotational speed of the lower packing roller 314. In other embodiments, the packing speed sensor 170 measures the speed of the upper front packing roller 306 or other rollers in the packing assembly 302.

[0091] The packing floor 520 is partially positioned between the packing assembly 302 and the module forming chamber 185. A plurality of continuous packing floor belts 522 or the like may be positioned on the packing floor 520. The packing floor belts 522 and the packing floor 520 may partially guide the packing material from the packing roll to the front lower door roller 245, and finally to the module forming chamber 185.

[0092] The support roller 308 may not be directly coupled to the first drive system 502. Instead, the support roller 308 may be free to rotate as the bale roll placed on the support roller 308 rotates. In other words, the support roller 308 may be an idle roller that supports the bale roll while allowing the bale roll to rotate as the bale material is fed into the module forming chamber 185. In addition, the support roller 308 may be spaced apart from the front upper bale roller 306 to provide a cradle or the like between the rollers 306, 308 to allow the bale roll to be placed thereon. The rollers 306, 308 may maintain the proper positioning of the bale roll while facilitating the rotation directed by the first drive system 502.

[0093] like Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 8 As further shown, the bale floor system 520 includes a plurality of bale floor frame supports 130 that provide support for a bale floor belt 522 that is positioned beneath an endless baler belt 190 or round module builder that moves along the bale floor belt 522, rear lower gate roller 240, and front lower gate roller 245, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The bale floor 520 moves generally longitudinally along the length of the harvester 10 in response to the bale floor actuator 155. Baling film moves between the bale floor belt 522 and the module builder belt to wrap the cotton to provide a cotton module.

[0094] The packing base 520 is configured to move longitudinally and rotate about a four-bar linkage having a first rotation axis 140, a second rotation axis 142, a third rotation axis 144, and a fourth rotation axis 146. The first rotation axis 140 is located at one end of a rod 148 rotationally coupled to a fixed frame member 151. The second rotation axis is located at the other end of the rod 148. The third rotation axis 144 is located at one end of a rod 152 rotationally coupled to a second rod 154. The fourth rotation axis 146 is located at the other end of the rod 152, which also identifies the rotation axis of the second rod 154.

[0095] A second rod 154 extends from the axis 146 to the rod 118 and is coupled to a baling floor actuator 155, which is coupled to a fixed bracket 158. Movement of the baling floor actuator 155 engages and disengages the rod 118, and thereby engages and disengages the baling floor system 520 with the endless baler belt 190.

[0096] In some embodiments, the bale floor actuator 155 is a hydraulic actuator coupled to a valve (not shown) whose function is controlled by the bale floor control module 150 which moves the hydraulic cylinder to initiate a bale cycle when instructed.

[0097] The movement of the baling floor 520 including the frame support 130 is generally along the longitudinal axis defined by the plane of the baling floor belt 522. However, due to its four-bar linkage configuration, the second rod 154 moves with the lower door roller 240 in both the longitudinal direction and the upward or inclined direction. The baling floor actuator 155 pushes the second rod 154 and thus pushes the rod 118 forward to Figure 5A and Figure 5B When baling is complete, the baling floor actuator 155 pulls the rod 118 to the disengaged position and the baling floor system 520 returns to the unengaged position.

[0098] The rod 118 also supports a plurality of packing fingers 192 that are fixedly coupled to and extend from the rod 118. Upward movement of the rod 118 also directs the packing fingers 192 upward.

[0099] The second drive system 509 uses a positive drive source. In the embodiment shown, the bale floor system 520 includes a single set of bale floor belts 522. In other embodiments, the bale floor system 520 may include two or more sets of bale floor belts working together. The second drive system 509 does not require any frictional contact between the bale floor belt 522 and the baler belt 190 to produce rotation of the bale floor belt 520. Separate independent motors or any other type of drive input can be used to drive the bale floor system 520 and the bale floor belt 522.

[0100] Fig.10Another embodiment of the second drive system 909 is shown in FIG. The second drive system 909 also uses input from the rear lower door roller 240 (not shown) to generate rotation. The second drive system 909 includes an electric clutch 1000, such as a baling floor clutch 160. When the baling cycle begins, an electrical signal (current) is sent to the electric baling clutch to engage the clutch. The clutch then generates input rotation to the auxiliary baling floor drive through the telescopic drive shaft, thereby rotating the baling floor belt 522 (not shown). The telescopic drive shaft allows the baling floor to move through its range during the engagement movement and the disengagement movement. When the electrical signal is turned off, the clutch disengages, thereby stopping the rotation of the auxiliary drive and the main baling floor belt. In various embodiments, since the direction needs to be reversed, the baling clutch is directly driven by a set of gears so that the baler belt and the baling floor belt move in the same direction. A set of belts, chains and sprockets or some other type of drive can be used to generate input to the clutch from different locations in the round module builder 105.

[0101] Fig.11 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a packing floor control system 1100. In various embodiments, the packing floor control system 1100 includes a packing floor control module 1150, a packing floor actuator 155, a packing floor clutch 160, a detached label sensor 165, and a packing roller speed sensor 170. The packing floor control module 1150 is an embodiment of the packing floor control module 150, and may include a timing module 1110, a first packing film length module 1120, a second packing film length module 1140, a floor engagement module 1155, and a belt control module 1160.

[0102] In various examples, the packaged backplane control module 1150 may be as follows Figure 2 In other examples, at least one of the timing module 1110, the first bale film length module 1120, the second bale film length module 1140, the bottom plate engagement module 1155, and the belt control module 1160 can be implemented independently or together with one or more other modules of the harvester 10 (e.g., a baler interface controller (BIC)).

[0103] The timing module 1110 generates a timing value indicating the amount of time that has passed since the start of the baling cycle. In response to receiving a signal indicating that the baling cycle has started, the timing module 1110 resets the timing to zero and then begins to increment the timing. The timing module 1110 compares the timing value with a period (or value) and outputs the comparison result to the floor engagement module 1155 and the belt control module 1160. In some embodiments, the period is a predetermined period. For example, the period can be about 5 seconds or corresponds to about 5 seconds. As another example, the period can be between 5 seconds and 20 seconds or corresponds to between 5 seconds and 20 seconds. In other embodiments, the period can be set to an initial period (e.g., 5 seconds or 15 seconds), and the operator of the harvester 10 can change the period to another suitable period via the operator interface 45.

[0104] The first packaging film length module 1120 receives a signal from the packaging roller speed sensor 170. In various embodiments, the signal from the packaging roller speed sensor 170 indicates the speed of the packaging roller in revolutions per minute (RPM). The circumference of the packaging roller is stored in the first packaging film length module 1120. Based on the signal received from the packaging roller speed sensor 170, the first packaging film length module 1120 calculates the length of packaging film fed into the module forming chamber 185 since the packaging cycle was started.

[0105] In response to receiving a signal indicating that a wrapping cycle has been initiated, the first wrapping film length module 1120 resets the first measured length to zero. The first wrapping film length module 1120 then updates the value of the first measured length based on the received wrapping roller speed signal, the circumference of the roller, and the amount of time that has passed since the value of the first measured length was last updated. The first wrapping film length module 1120 continues to update the first wrapping film length until the first wrapping film length module 1120 receives a signal indicating that a new wrapping cycle has been initiated.

[0106] The first baling film length module 1120 compares the first measured length with the first threshold value, and outputs the comparison result to the belt control module 1160. In some embodiments, the first threshold value is a predetermined length. For example, the first threshold value may be 18 meters or corresponds to 18 meters. As another example, the first threshold value may be 16 meters to 24 meters or corresponds to 16 meters to 24 meters. In other embodiments, the first threshold value may be set to an initial value (e.g., 18 meters), and the operator of the harvester 10 may change the first threshold value to another appropriate length via the operator interface 45.

[0107] Similar to the first packaging film length module 1120, the second packaging film length module 1140 receives the packaging roller speed signal from the packaging roller speed sensor 170 and stores the circumference of the packaging roller. In response to receiving the signal indicating the presence of a separated label, the second packaging film length module 1140 resets the second measured length to zero. Then, the second packaging film length module 1140 updates the value of the second measured length based on the received packaging roller speed signal, the circumference of the roller, and the amount of time that has passed since the value of the second measured length was last updated.

[0108] The second packaging film length module 1140 compares the second measured length with the second threshold value, and outputs the comparison result to the belt control module 1160. In some embodiments, the second threshold value is a predetermined length. For example, the second threshold value can be 0.9 meters or corresponds to 0.9 meters. As another example, the second threshold value can be 0.5 meters to 1.5 meters or corresponds to 0.5 meters to 1.5 meters. In other embodiments, the second threshold value can be set to an initial value (e.g., 0.9 meters), and the operator of the harvester 10 can change the second threshold value to another appropriate length via the operator interface 45.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first packaging film length module 1120 and the second packaging film length module 1140 may be separate modules in the packaging base plate control module 1150, such as Fig.11 In other examples, the packaging bottom plate control module 1150 may include a length module 1145 , and the length module 1145 includes both a first packaging film length module 1120 and a second packaging film length module 1140 .

[0110] The bottom plate engagement module 1155 generates one or more signals that control the movement of the packing bottom plate. In response to receiving a signal indicating the start of a packing cycle, the bottom plate engagement module 1155 outputs a signal that causes the packing bottom plate to engage. Conversely, in response to receiving a signal indicating the time period that has passed since the start of the packing cycle, the bottom plate engagement module 1155 outputs a signal that causes the packing bottom plate to disengage. Fig.11 As shown, the floor engagement module 1155 outputs the generated signal to the packaging floor actuator 155.

[0111] The belt control module 1160 generates one or more signals to control the movement of the packing floor belt. In response to receiving a signal indicating the start of the packing cycle, or determining that the first packing film length module 1120 indicates that the first length of packing film has been fed to the module forming chamber 185, the belt control module 1160 generates a signal to cause the packing floor belt to be driven. In response to determining that the timing module 1110 indicates that a period of time has passed since the start of the packing cycle, or the second packing film length module 1120 indicates that the second length of the packing film portion has been fed to the module forming chamber 185, the belt control module 1160 generates a signal to cause the packing floor belt to stop.

[0112] like Fig.11 As shown, the belt control module 1160 outputs a signal to the packing bottom plate clutch 160, which causes the packing bottom plate clutch 160 to engage or disengage. In other embodiments, the belt control module 1160 outputs the generated control signal to a motor that drives the packing bottom plate belt.

[0113] Fig.12 1 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary method of controlling a baling floor (e.g., baling floor system 520) of a harvester 10. In an exemplary embodiment, control may be performed by a baling floor control module 1150. In other embodiments, control may be performed by a baler interface controller (BIC) or another controller of the harvester 10.

[0114] When the packaging cycle starts, control is changed from Fig.12 At 1205, control engages the packing floor and drives the packing floor belt. For example, the floor engagement module 1155 commands the packing floor actuator 155 to move the packing floor to the engaged position, and the belt control module 1160 engages the packing floor clutch 160. At 1205, control also initializes and starts a timer (Timer), and sets the first measured length of the packing film (First_Length) to zero. Control continues to 1210.

[0115] At 1210, control calculates the length of the packaging film fed into the module forming chamber 185 and updates the first measured length (First_Length) of the packaging film. For example, the first length module 1120 updates the first measured length based on the signal received from the packaging roller speed sensor 170. At 1215, control determines whether the value of the timer (Timer) is greater than or equal to the threshold time period. For example, the timer module 1110 indicates that the timer value is greater than or equal to the stored time period. If so, control transfers to 1220; otherwise, control returns to 1210.

[0116] At 1220, control disengages the packing base and stops driving the packing base belt. For example, the base engagement module 1155 commands the packing base actuator 155 to move the packing base to the disengaged position, and the belt control module 1160 disengages the packing base clutch 160. Control continues to 1225, where control calculates the length of the packing film fed to the module forming chamber 185 and updates the first measured length of the packing film (First_Length). Then control proceeds to 1230.

[0117] At 1230, control determines whether the first measured length (First_Length) of the packaging film is greater than or equal to the first threshold length. For example, the first length module 1120 indicates that the first measured length of the packaging film is greater than or equal to the first threshold. If yes, control proceeds to 1235; otherwise, control returns to 1225.

[0118] At 1235, control drives the packing floor belt. For example, the belt control module 1160 engages the packing floor clutch 160. At 1240, control monitors the presence of a breakaway label on the packing film being fed into the module forming chamber 185. For example, the second length module 1140 monitors a signal from the breakaway label sensor 165. At 1245, control determines whether a breakaway label is detected. If so, control continues to 1250; otherwise, control returns to 1240.

[0119] At 1250, control resets the second measured length (Second_Length) of the packaging film. For example, the second length module 1140 sets the second measured length to zero. At 1255, control calculates the length of the packaging film fed to the module forming chamber 185 and updates the second measured length (Second_Length) of the packaging film. Control continues to 1260.

[0120] At 1260, control determines whether the second measured length of the packaging film is greater than or equal to the second threshold length. For example, the second length module 1140 indicates that the second measured length of the packaging film is greater than or equal to the second threshold. If yes, control proceeds to 1265; otherwise, control returns to 1255.

[0121] At 1265, control stops driving the baling floor belt. For example, the belt control module 1160 disengages the baling floor clutch 160. Control then ends.

[0122] Fig.13is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a packing floor control system 1300. In various embodiments, the packing floor control system 1300 includes a packing floor control module 1350, a packing floor actuator 155, a packing floor clutch 160, and a packing roller speed sensor 170. The packing floor control module 1350 is another embodiment of the packing floor control module 150, and may include a first timing module 1312, a second timing module 1314, a floor engagement module 1155, and a belt control module 1360.

[0123] In various examples, the packaged backplane control module 1350 may be such as Figure 2 In other examples, at least one of the first timing module 1312, the second timing module 1314, the floor engagement module 1155, and the belt control module 1360 may be implemented independently or in conjunction with one or more other modules of the harvester 10 (e.g., a baler interface controller (BIC)).

[0124] The first timing module 1312 generates a timing value indicating the amount of time that has passed since the start of the baling cycle. In response to the received signal indicating that the baling cycle has started, the first timing module 1312 resets the first timing to zero and then begins to increment the first timing. The first timing module 1312 compares the first timing value with the first time period (or value) and outputs the comparison result to the bottom plate engagement module 1155. In some embodiments, the first time period is a predetermined time period. For example, the first time period can be about 5 seconds or corresponds to about 5 seconds. In other embodiments, the first time period can be set to an initial time period (e.g., 5 seconds), and the operator of the harvester 10 can change the first time period to another suitable time period via the operator interface 45.

[0125] Similar to the first timing module 1312, the second timing module 1314 generates a timing value indicating the amount of time that has passed since the start of the baling cycle. In response to the received signal indicating that the baling cycle has started, the second timing module 1314 resets the second timing to zero and then begins to increment the second timing. The second timing module 1314 compares the second timing value with the second time period (or value) and outputs the comparison result to the belt control module 1360. In some embodiments, the second time period is a predetermined time period. For example, the second time period can be about 15 seconds or corresponds to about 15 seconds. In other embodiments, the second time period can be set to an initial time period (e.g., 15 seconds), and the operator of the harvester 10 can change the second time period to another suitable time period via the operator interface 45.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first timing module 1312 and the second timing module 1314 may be separate modules in the packaging base control module 1350, such as Fig.13 In other examples, the packaging floor control module 1350 may include a timing module 1310 , and the timing module 1310 includes both a first timing module 1312 and a second timing module 1314 .

[0127] The belt control module 1360 generates a signal for driving the baling floor belt in response to receiving a signal indicating that the baling cycle is started. The belt control module 1360 generates a signal for stopping driving the baling floor belt to be driven in response to determining that the second timing module 1312 indicates that a second time period has passed since the baling cycle was started.

[0128] Fig.14 1 is a flow chart depicting another exemplary method of controlling a baling floor (e.g., baling floor system 520) of a harvester 10. In an exemplary embodiment, control may be performed by a baling floor control module 1350. In other embodiments, control may be performed by a baler interface controller (BIC) or another controller of the harvester 10.

[0129] When the packaging cycle starts, control is changed from Fig.14 1410 of . At 1410, control engages the packing floor and drives the packing floor belt. For example, the floor engagement module 1155 commands the packing floor actuator 155 to move the packing floor to the engaged position, and the belt control module 1360 engages the packing floor clutch 160. At 1405, control also initializes the first timer (First_Timer) and the second timer (Second_Timer). Control continues to 1420.

[0131] At 1420, control determines whether the first timer value (First_Timer) is greater than or equal to

[0132] First threshold time period. For example, the first timing module 1312 indicates that the first timing value is greater than or equal to the stored first time period. If so, control transfers to 1430; otherwise, control returns to 1420.

[0133] At 1430, control disengages the packing floor. For example, the floor engagement module 1155 commands the packing floor actuator 155 to move the packing floor to the disengaged position. Control continues to 1440 where control determines whether the second timer value (Second_Timer) is greater than or equal to the second threshold time period.

[0134] For example, the second timing module 1314 indicates that the second timing value is greater than or equal to the stored second time period. If so, control transfers to 1450; otherwise, control returns to 1440.

[0135] At 1450, control stops driving the baling floor belt. For example, the belt control module 1360 disengages the baling floor clutch 160. Control then ends.

[0136] Fig.15 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a packing floor control system 1500. In various embodiments, the packing floor control system 1500 includes a packing floor control module 1550, a packing floor actuator 155, a packing floor clutch 160, and a packing roller speed sensor 170. The packing floor control module 1550 is another embodiment of the packing floor control module 150, and may include a timing module 1510, a packing film length module 1520, a floor engagement module 1155, and a belt control module 1560.

[0137] In various examples, the packaged backplane control module 1550 may be such as Figure 2 In other examples, at least one of the timing module 1510, the baling film length module 1520, the floor engagement module 1155, and the belt control module 1560 can be implemented independently or in conjunction with one or more other modules of the harvester 10 (e.g., a baler interface controller (BIC)).

[0138] The timing module 1510 generates a timing value indicating the amount of time that has passed since the start of the baling cycle. In response to receiving a signal indicating that the baling cycle has started, the timing module 1510 resets the timing to zero and then begins to increment the timing. The timing module 1510 compares the timing value with the time period (or value) and outputs the comparison result to the bottom plate engagement module 1155. In some embodiments, the time period is a predetermined time period. For example, the time period can be about 5 seconds or corresponds to about 5 seconds. In other embodiments, the time period can be set to an initial time period (e.g., 5 seconds), and the operator of the harvester 10 can change the time period to another suitable time period via the operator interface 45.

[0139] The wrapping film length module 1520 receives a signal from the wrapping roller speed sensor 170. The circumference of the wrapping roller is stored in the wrapping film length module 1520. Based on the signal received from the wrapping roller speed sensor 170, the wrapping film length module 1520 calculates the length of wrapping film fed into the module forming chamber 185 since the wrapping cycle was started.

[0140] In response to receiving a signal indicating that a wrapping cycle has been initiated, the wrapping film length module 1520 resets the measured wrapping film length to zero. The wrapping film length module 1520 then updates the measured wrapping film length value based on the received wrapping roller speed signal, the circumference of the roller, and the amount of time that has passed since the value of the measured wrapping film length was last updated. The wrapping film length module 1520 continues to update the measured wrapping film length until the wrapping film length module 1520 receives a signal indicating that a new wrapping cycle has been initiated.

[0141] The baling film length module 1520 compares the measured baling film length with a threshold value and outputs the comparison result to the belt control module 1560. In some embodiments, the threshold value is a predetermined length. For example, the threshold value may be 21 meters or corresponds to 21 meters. As another example, the first threshold value may be 16 meters to 24 meters or corresponds to 16 meters to 24 meters. In other embodiments, the first threshold value may be set to an initial value (e.g., 21 meters), and the operator of the harvester 10 may change the threshold value to another suitable length via the operator interface 45.

[0142] The belt control module 1560 generates a signal for driving the packing floor belt in response to receiving a signal indicating the start of the packing cycle. The belt control module 1560 generates a signal for stopping driving the packing floor belt to be driven in response to the packing film length determination module 1520 indicating that a determined length of packing film has been fed to the module forming chamber 185.

[0143] Fig.16 1 is a flow chart depicting yet another exemplary method of controlling a baling floor (e.g., baling floor system 520) of a harvester 10. In an exemplary embodiment, control may be performed by a baling floor control module 1550. In other embodiments, control may be performed by a baler interface controller (BIC) or another controller of the harvester 10.

[0144] When the packaging cycle starts, control is changed from Fig.16 1605. Control engages the packing base and drives the packing base belt. For example, the base engagement module 1155 commands the packing base actuator 155 to move the packing base to the engaged position, and the belt control module 1560 engages the packing base clutch 160. At 1610, control also initializes the timer (Timer) and sets the measured length of the packing film (feed length, Fed_Length) to zero. Control continues to 1620.

[0145] At 1620, control calculates the length of the packaging film fed to the module forming chamber 185 and updates the measured length of the packaging film (Fed_Length). For example, the packaging film length module 1520 updates the measured length based on the signal received from the packaging roller speed sensor 170. At 1630, control determines whether the value of the timer (Timer) is greater than or equal to the threshold time period. For example, the timer module 1510 indicates that the timer value is greater than or equal to the stored time period. If so, control transfers to 1640; otherwise, control returns to 1620.

[0146] At 1640, control disengages the packing floor and stops driving the packing floor belt. For example, the floor engagement module 1155 commands the packing floor actuator 155 to move the packing floor to the disengaged position, and the belt control module 1560 disengages the packing floor clutch 160. Control continues to 1650, where control calculates the length of the packing film fed to the module forming chamber 185 and updates the measured length of the packing film (Fed_Length). Control then proceeds to 1660.

[0147] At 1660, control determines whether the measured length of the packaging film (Fed_Length) is greater than or equal to the threshold length. For example, the packaging film length module 1520 indicates that the measured length of the packaging film is greater than or equal to the stored threshold. If yes, control proceeds to 1670; otherwise, control returns to 1650.

[0148] At 1670, control stops driving the baling floor belt. For example, the belt control module 1560 disengages the baling floor clutch 160. Control then ends.

[0149] Fig.17 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a packing floor control system 1700. In various embodiments, the packing floor control system 1700 includes a packing floor control module 1750, a packing floor actuator 155, a packing floor clutch 160, and a packing roller speed sensor 170. The packing floor control module 1750 is another embodiment of the packing floor control module 150, and may include a timing module 1510, a packing film length module 1720, a floor engagement module 1155, and a belt control module 1560.

[0150] In various examples, the packaged backplane control module 1750 may be such as Figure 2 In other examples, at least one of the timing module 1510, the baling film length module 1720, the floor engagement module 1155, and the belt control module 1560 can be implemented independently or in conjunction with one or more other modules of the harvester 10 (e.g., a baler interface controller (BIC)).

[0151] The wrapping film length module 1720 receives the signal from the wrapping roller speed sensor 170 and the signal from the separate label sensor 165. The circumference of the wrapping roller is stored in the wrapping film length module 1720. Based on the signal received from the wrapping roller speed sensor 170, the wrapping film length module 1720 calculates the length of the wrapping film fed into the module forming chamber 185 since the separate label sensor 165 last detected the presence of a separate label.

[0152] In response to receiving the signal indicating the presence of a separate label, the packaging film length module 1720 resets the measured packaging film length to zero. The packaging film length module 1720 then updates the value of the measured packaging film length based on the received packaging roller speed signal, the circumference of the roller, and the amount of time that has passed since the value of the measured packaging film length was last updated. The packaging film length module 1720 continues to update the measured packaging film length until the packaging film length module 1720 receives another signal indicating the presence of a separate label.

[0153] The baling film length module 1720 compares the measured baling film length with a threshold value and outputs the comparison result to the belt control module 1560. In some embodiments, the threshold value is a predetermined length. For example, the threshold value may be 0.9 meters or corresponds to 0.9 meters. As another example, the first threshold value may be 0.5 meters to 1.5 meters or corresponds to 0.5 meters to 1.5 meters. In other embodiments, the first threshold value may be set to an initial value (e.g., 0.9 meters), and the operator of the harvester 10 may change the threshold value to another suitable length via the operator interface 45.

[0154] Fig.18 17 is a flow chart depicting yet another exemplary method of controlling a baling floor (e.g., baling floor system 520) of a harvester 10. In an exemplary embodiment, control may be performed by a baling floor control module 1750. In other embodiments, control may be performed by a baler interface controller (BIC) or another controller of the harvester 10.

[0155] When the packaging cycle starts, control is changed from Fig.18 At 1810, control engages the packing floor and drives the packing floor belt. For example, the floor engagement module 1155 commands the packing floor actuator 155 to move the packing floor to the engaged position, and the belt control module 1560 engages the packing floor clutch 160. At 1810, control also initializes and starts a timer (Timer). Control continues to 1820.

[0156] At 1820, control determines whether the value of the timer is greater than or equal to the threshold time period. For example, the timing module 1510 indicates that the timer value is greater than or equal to the stored time period. If so, control transfers to 1830; otherwise, control returns to 1820.

[0157] At 1830, control disengages the packing floor. For example, the floor engagement module 1155 commands the packing floor actuator 155 to move the packing floor to the disengaged position. Control continues to 1840, where control monitors the presence of a breakaway label on the packing film being fed into the module forming chamber 185. For example, the packing film length module 1720 monitors a signal from the breakaway label sensor 165. At 1850, control determines whether a breakaway label is detected. If so, control continues to 1860; otherwise, control returns to 1840.

[0158] At 1860, control resets the measured length of the packaging film (label length, Label_Length). For example, the packaging film length module 1720 sets the measured length to zero. At 1870, control calculates the length of the packaging film fed to the module forming chamber 185 and updates the measured length of the packaging film (Label_Length). Control continues to 1880.

[0159] At 1880, control determines whether the measured length of the packaging film is greater than or equal to the threshold length. For example, the packaging film length module 1720 indicates that the measured length of the packaging film is greater than or equal to the threshold. If yes, control proceeds to 1890; otherwise, control returns to 1870.

[0160] At 1890, control stops driving the baling floor belt. For example, the belt control module 1560 disengages the baling floor clutch 160. Control then ends.

[0161] The above description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, the application or use of the present disclosure in any way. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, because after studying the drawings, the specification and the accompanying claims, other modifications will become apparent. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, although each embodiment is described above as having certain features, any one or more of these features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in the features of any other embodiment and / or combined with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the permutation of one or more embodiments with respect to each other remains within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0162] Various terms are used to describe the spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.), including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "near," "on top of," "over," "under," and "arranged." Unless explicitly described as "directly," when describing the relationship between a first element and a second element in the above disclosure, the relationship may be a direct relationship in which no other intermediate elements exist between the first element and the second element, but may also be an indirect relationship in which one or more intermediate elements exist between the first element and the second element (spatially or functionally).

[0163] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" should be interpreted as a logical (A or B or C), expressed using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted as meaning "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C." The term "subset" does not necessarily require a proper subset. In other words, a first subset of a first set can be coextensive with (equal to) the first set.

[0164] In the drawings, the direction of the arrow indicated by the arrow generally represents the flow of information (e.g., data or instructions) of interest to the illustration. For example, when element A and element B exchange various information but the information sent from element A to element B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow may point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is sent from element B to element A. In addition, for information sent from element A to element B, element B may send a request for the information or a receipt confirmation to element A.

[0165] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" or the term "controller" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a (shared, dedicated, or group) processor circuit that executes code; a (shared, dedicated, or group) memory circuit that stores code executed by the processor circuit; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0166] Some or all of the hardware features of a module may be defined using a hardware description language, such as IEEE Standard 1364-2005 (commonly referred to as "Verilog") and IEEE Standard 1076-2008 (commonly referred to as "VHDL"). Hardware description languages ​​may be used to manufacture and / or program hardware circuits. In some embodiments, some or all of the features of a module may be defined by a language, such as IEEE 1666-2005 (commonly referred to as "SystemC"), which encompasses both code and hardware descriptions as described below.

[0167] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class, a data structure and / or an object. The term "shared processor circuit" covers a single processor circuit that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuit" covers a processor circuit that is combined with an additional processor circuit to execute some or all of the code from one or more modules. References to "multi-processor circuits" cover multi-processor circuits on discrete dies, multi-processor circuits on a single die, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination of the above. The term "shared memory circuit" covers a single memory circuit that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory circuit" covers a memory circuit that is combined with additional memory to store some or all of the code from one or more modules.

[0168] The term "memory circuit" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein does not cover transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (e.g., on a carrier wave); therefore, the term "computer-readable medium" may be considered to be tangible and non-transitory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory computer-readable media are non-volatile memory circuits (e.g., flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only memory circuits), volatile memory circuits (e.g., static random access memory circuits, or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (e.g., analog or digital tape or hard drive), and optical storage media (e.g., CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc).

[0169] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented in part or in full by a special purpose computer created by configuring a general purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions contained in a computer program. The above functional blocks and flow chart elements are used as software specifications, which can be translated into a computer program by the routine work of a skilled technician or programmer.

[0170] The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory computer readable medium. The computer program may also include stored data or rely on stored data. The computer program may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of the special-purpose computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of the special-purpose computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, etc.

[0171] A computer program may include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, such as HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated by a compiler from source code; (iv) source code executed by an interpreter; (v) source code compiled and executed by a just-in-time compiler, etc. By way of example only, source code may be written using syntax from languages ​​including C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th revision), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Visual Lua, MATLAB, SIMULINK, and

[0172] Unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for," or, in the case of a method claim, the phrase "operation of," or "step of," no element recited in a claim is intended to be a means-plus-function element within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. §122(f).

Claims

1. A baling floor control system for a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the baling floor control system comprising: an actuator connected to the packing base and configured to move the packing base; A timing module, wherein the timing module is configured to: In response to determining initiation of a packaging cycle, resetting a timer and incrementing the timer; as well as comparing the timing to a first threshold; A baseplate engagement module, the baseplate engagement module being configured to: In response to determining initiation of the baling cycle, commanding the baling floor actuator to move the baling floor to an engaged position; as well as In response to determining that the timing module indicates that the timing is equal to or greater than the first threshold, commanding the packing floor actuator to move the packing floor to a disengaged position; and A belt control module is configured to drive a baling floor belt in response to determining the initiation of the baling cycle.

2. The bale floor control system of claim 1, comprising a bale floor clutch, wherein the belt control module is configured to engage the bale floor clutch to drive the bale floor belt.

3. The packaging floor control system according to claim 1, wherein: The baling floor actuator is a hydraulic cylinder.

4. The packaging floor control system according to claim 1, wherein: The belt control module is configured to stop driving the baling floor belt in response to determining that the timing module indicates that the timing is equal to or greater than the first threshold.

5. The packaging floor control system according to claim 4, further comprising: A packaging film length module, wherein the packaging film length module is configured as follows: responsive to determining initiation of the baling cycle, calculating a length of baling film fed into the cotton module forming chamber; and comparing the length of the baling film fed into the cotton module forming chamber with a second threshold value, Wherein, the belt control module is configured to drive the baling floor belt in response to determining that the baling film length module indicates that the length of the baling film fed into the cotton module forming chamber is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

6. The baling floor control system of claim 5, further comprising a baling roller speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the baling roller and to generate a signal based on the measured speed, in, A first length module is configured to calculate the first length based on a signal generated by the baling roller speed sensor.

7. The packing floor control system according to claim 5, wherein: The second threshold corresponds to 18 meters.

8. The packaging floor control system according to claim 1, further comprising: a tag sensor configured to generate a detached tag signal in response to detecting the presence of a detached tag; and A packaging film length module, wherein the packaging film length module is configured as follows: In response to receiving the detach tag signal, calculating the length of the bale film fed into the cotton module forming chamber, and comparing the length of the baling film fed into the cotton module forming chamber with a second threshold value, Wherein, the belt control module is configured to stop driving the baling floor belt in response to determining that the baling film length module indicates that the length of the baling film fed into the cotton module forming chamber is equal to or greater than the second threshold.

9. The packing floor control system according to claim 8, wherein: The tag sensor is a Hall sensor.

10. A method of controlling a baling floor of a cotton harvester having a cotton module forming chamber, the method comprising: determining whether a packaging cycle has been initiated, and in response to determining that the packaging cycle has been initiated: Start the timer. moving the baling floor to an engaged position, and driving a baling bottom plate belt located in the baling bottom plate; comparing the timing to a threshold period; In response to determining that the timing is greater than or equal to the threshold period, moving the packing base plate to a disengaged position; Monitor the output of the tag sensor; responsive to the breakaway label sensor indicating the presence of a breakaway label, calculating a first length of packaging film fed into the module forming chamber; and In response to determining that the first length of the baling film fed into the module forming chamber is greater than or equal to a first threshold, the baling floor belt is stopped.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The threshold period is 5 seconds.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising: In response to determining that the timing is greater than or equal to the threshold period, stopping the baling floor belt; calculating a second length of the packaging film fed into the module forming chamber; and In response to determining that the second length of the baling film fed into the module forming chamber is greater than or equal to a second threshold, the baling floor belt is driven.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The first threshold is 0.9 meters, or the second threshold is 18 meters.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising monitoring a speed of a baling roller of the cotton harvester, wherein calculating the second length of baling film fed to the module forming chamber comprises: The second length is calculated based on a speed of the baling roller.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Monitoring the speed of the baling roller includes monitoring the speed of the lower baling roller.

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